On this Armistice Day we mark the ultimate sacrifice of those who gave their lives so that we today can live our lives free from tyranny, racism and fascism. We will not forget all those who have died in the call of serving their country or those who have been impacted in so many ways still today in war and conflict. We will also not forget the millions of Jewish families—children and babies, brothers and sisters—systematically and horrifically tortured and murdered, alongside other ethnic groups, the disabled and political prisoners. We will not forget you.

This morning, I marked the historic moment of armistice on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month at Penallta House, the headquarters of Caerphilly County Borough Council, where, in a socially distanced ceremony, representatives of the armed forces and civic life met to honour the fallen.

Today the use of the armed forces during this pandemic crisis reminds us of the sacrifices still being made, but many have paid and will continue to pay the ultimate price. And this is something many cannot or do not contemplate as a consequence of the work that we do. That we honour those who have fallen in battle and that we honour those who are willing to do battle in our name is right and is proper. Today schools across Islwyn did the same, as did Blackwood Primary School, who also honoured all those who have given their lives, with a virtual whole-school assembly. And I want to place on record my appreciation for schools such as Blackwood primary, who, in this the strangest of years, commemorated with the next generation of the school community coming together to mark this special occasion. These children are our future, and we will remember them.

Deputy Llywydd, to conclude, I do also know how much Darren Millar puts into his advocacy of our armed forces. He is an able chair of the cross-party group, and so, on this matter, I wish to wholeheartedly echo his call, and that of the Welsh Government, for the continued and ongoing support for the armed forces covenant. I know, personally, it is so highly valued by the armed forces community, the authorities implementing it, their armed forces champions and, of course, veterans and their families. It is a coming together, where there is so much to divide us. So, today, tomorrow and for ever, we shall remember the fallen of Islwyn and of Wales and all those who continue to serve to keep us free.